Botín

Touted as the oldest restaurant in the world (opened in 1725), Botin is a true Madrid landmark located just south of Plaza Mayor. Maintaining a tradition of fine Castilian dining and and a wait staff steeped in the restaurant's history, dining here is an opportunity to not only try pig, a staple of Spanish cuisine, but to find yourself awash in three centuries of atmosphere and history. Budget travelers beware, despite its cultural distinction, Botin is still all white tablecloths and hefty hits to the pocketbook. If anything, have a local get a picture of you outside the restaurant to prove you'd been there and grab a few tapas plates elsewhere.